“The longevity of the program and the interest we have already received affirms its role in keeping regional areas vital, active and thriving.

“Publicity from the Awards attracts tourism and gains exposure for winners and participants.

“Every year we discover little-known gems of towns with strong communities and unique environmental initiatives – the standard of entries is astounding but what we’ve learned over the years is that every town has something to contribute to making this a beautiful state to call home.

“Tidy Towns is about celebrating these efforts.”

Participating towns are visited by an external assessor and receive a feedback report with recommendations on how to further develop sustainability in their community.

Assessments encompass social, economic, and environmental aspects with a focus on community involvement.

Nundle, winner of the overall category last year, took home the title on the strength of its volunteerism and strong community partnerships.

The Nundle Visitor Information Centre is staffed seven days per week on a volunteer basis, and the Tidy Towns committee recorded almost 25,000 volunteer hours over 12 months from a population of less than 300.

Kay Burnes of the Nundle Tidy Towns Committee and Tamworth Regional Council says being a part of the Tidy Towns network over the past years has provided fresh ideas, developed skills and new friendships for Nundle.

Time is running out

Entry is open until Wednesday 18th June. Councils, community groups, schools, businesses and clubs involved in environmental projects in regional NSW are all welcome to enter into one or more of the eleven award categories.

The different categories celebrate various elements of long-term investment in the future of NSW while aiming to keep towns lively and beautiful for residents and visitors alike.

New and ongoing projects are welcome but ongoing initiatives must have significant work completed during the 2013/14 financial year.

How to Enter

Anyone interested in entering their project Tidy Towns download the entry forms from the Keep NSW Beautiful website: www.knswb.org.au. Forms are filled in electronically. Completed forms along with any inquiries about the program can be emailed to tidytowns@knswb.org.au.

The Tidy Towns Awards Program is sponsored by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the Packaging Stewardship Forum.